Page 19 of Deadly Force

I open my mouth to ask if we can meet earlier, but she’s already gone.

I blow out a puff of air, trying to think of a way to tell Caleb. He’s going to insist on coming with me. All because I opened my big mouth and told Mick about the slashed tires. Annoyed, I tap out a text to him without thinking:

I can’t believe you did this to me. I don’t NEED a bodyguard.

I don’t wait for a reply. I get to my feet, ready to confront Caleb and tell him I’m going, whether he likes it or not.

I yank open the door—and almost smack intohim. If possible, his expression is even more intense as he looks me over.

His eyebrow cocks. “I found the son. He’s a Staff Sergeant stationed at USAG Bavaria, working out of the Grafenwöhr Training Area.”

My eyes pop. “That was fast.”

His eyes crinkle as he smiles. “I took an educated guess and called the largest U.S. Army training center in Europe first.”

Momentarily distracted, I back up so he can tell me more. “He’s part of the 7th Army Training Command. He’s been wanting to relocate Betty for a while now. I told him I’d take care of it before I leave Tucson.”

Not for the first time today, my jaw slackens. “You’re going to move her?”

He nods and gives me a grin that sets off a chain reaction of heat spreading through my body. “Already in progress. Like I said. It’s the right thing to do.”

Since it’s the perfect segue into my own purpose, I ignore my physical response and steer my thoughts back to safer waters. “Then you’ll understand why I need to chase the truth, no matter how risky it might appear.”

His smile disappears. “You’re putting your life on the line for something that may or may not be authentic.”

I step closer—too close—but I’m making a point. Iwill not be intimidated by him. “I have no reason to doubt her. What she’s given me so far checks out.”

He crosses his arms over his sizable chest. “I’d like to hear about it. The more information you give me, the better I can assess the threat.”

The man is like a broken record, playing the same tune over and over. “I’m not sharing details about this story with you or anyone else. Not even my editor knows.”

Caleb’s brow knits as irritation flickers across his face. “Has she made contact again? Is that why you shut the door?”

I lift my chin, knowing full well the impact my words will have. “She did. She wants to meet.”

His face tightens. “Where?”

For a moment, I consider withholding the information. His eyes narrow—almost as if he knows what I’m thinking. “Tumamoc Hill. It’s a walking trail. She’s meeting me in the parking lot across the street at St. Mary’s Hospital.”

A muscle tenses in his cheek. “When?”

This is the part he’s not going to like. One bit. “Nine thirty… p.m.”

His expression hardens for just a second before shifting into something neutral. “Change it.”

I toss my head. “Not possible. She’s scared out of her mind.”

He considers me for a split second before answering in a clipped tone. “I want you wearing avest, and you do what I say when I say it. Otherwise, it’s a no-go.”

Of all the nerve. “You do not get to order me around, Caleb Evans. I don’t care how many muscles you have or what size gun you carry, I can take care of myself!”

His lips flatten, nostrils flaring, chest visibly tightening, like he’s fighting off a laugh.

Without thinking, I swing to punch his arm.

In a blur, his hand snags mine mid-strike, twisting my wrist just enough to throw off my balance. I stumble forward, right into him.

Heat floods my skin. His eyes lock on mine, sharp and unyielding.